Rocker Arm Braking Device for Sliding Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for braking sliding doors and furniture doors often fail to effectively slow down large and heavy doors without causing noise or damage, especially when subjected to excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A rocker arm braking device that integrates a pivoting rocker arm with a cam and a cushioning means, which slows down the door by engaging the rocker arm with the cam and using a cushioning mechanism to absorb the impact, thereby preventing violent closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a bumper with a sliding mechanism is used to cushion the door closure, then the impact at the end stop is reduced, but the mechanism fails to securely attach heavy doors and allows rebound under high impact
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm is designed to pivot dynamically between different positions during door operation. It rotates to engage with the cam profile during closure, providing progressive braking, and can disengage if necessary. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to varying impact forces while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile is designed with specific geometric shapes that create braking zones before the door reaches the end stop. The rocker arm engages with these pre-designed cam profiles to gradually slow down the door closure, cushioning the impact before it occurs rather than reacting to it after impact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a contrast spring is used to recall the carriage after opening, then the door can be reopened, but the resistance during opening phase creates difficulty in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm provides dynamic assistance during door opening by engaging with different portions of the cam profile. The cam is designed to reduce resistance during the opening phase, making it easier to overcome the contrast spring force and reopen the door.
3Speed
If a cam mechanism is used to brake the door closure, then the door speed is reduced, but noise is generated during engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
A damping element is introduced as an intermediary between the rocker arm and the cam mechanism. This damping element absorbs shocks and reduces noise during engagement and disengagement while maintaining the speed control function of the cam profile.
4Ease of operation
If a pivoting rocker arm with cam is used to gradually brake the door, then smooth closure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm and cam mechanism are integrated into a unified braking system where the rocker arm serves dual purposes: it acts as both the braking element and the connecting link between the door and the cam profile. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker arm performs multiple functions: it provides progressive braking through pivoting, engages with the cam profile for speed control, and can disengage if necessary. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device allows for smooth and effortless closure of sliding doors and furniture doors, effectively braking excessive speed without noise, and ensuring reliable operation over time.
Implementation Method 1
The use of needle rollers with O-rings reduces noise phenomena
Implementation Method 2
The use of needle rollers with O-rings reduces noise phenomena
Implementation Method 3
a cushioning means (66), in particular a gas, air or silicone cushion, intended to slow down the door (80, 94) by absorbing the impact
Implementation Method 4
a spring (40) which pulls the door (80, 94) closed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
A rocker arm braking device (10) for doors and sliding furniture doors comprises a carriage (26', 86), sliding on wheels (26', 90) along a guide (72, 116) and fixed to the top edge of a sliding door (80) or to the top of the inner side of a sliding door (94) of a cabinet or wardrobe (96); said device further comprises a shaped support (62), having a substantially rectangular cross-section, constrained by dowel screws (82) to said guide (72, 116), which has a housing and stabilization seat on one side (64) of a cushioning means (66) laterally to which there is a cam (70) on the same shaped support (62). The device is provided with a pair of matching shaped arms (44), basically "C" shaped in which the central convex part is facing downwards, with a hole (46') at the opposite ends for inserting connection pins (46) which simultaneously stabilize between said arms two needle rollers (48, 48') to form a pivoting rocker arm (14). Said needle rollers (48, 48') are guided by the cam (70) during the movement of the carriage (26, 86) along the guide (72, 116).